The 'rule' is this industry is late. The exception is 'on-time'. I've rarely seen anything get done on time, whether it be something simple like polishing a crank to something more complicated like a paint job, or whether it's handing the work to somebody else or doing it myself in my own garage. However there's a big difference between me and a professional. A professional is getting paid(usually a lot) and I am not. A professional should know that it typically takes longer than expected, and should account for that when they make an estimate or set a date in a contract. However, a professional has a business to run. They have to put food on the table for their family and pay their employees by getting you to spend your money on them. So a lot of them will provide unrealistic time estimates to get your business and to make money. Are they 'bad people' for doing this? No, not really, when you truly think about how business works. However, it's the paying customer that gets 'screwed'. Now, there are different levels of being 'screwed'. If it's a little late and the quality of work is good or very good, then you really didn't screwed at all(we've all had to wait, it's normal). However if it's late and the work is questionable, then I'd take that contract and that $100-a-day late clause that you created(for a very good reason) and contact a lawyer and put it to good use. The business(any business) needs to be accountable for when they deliver sloppy/rushed work that is late and you shouldn't ignore it just because you're happy to finally have your car back and move on. They'll just do it to the next guy.
I remember reading the thread about your car. It's sounds like it's going to be a great ride. I truly hope it turns out great and your happy with the work from the builder.
